WAIPORI FALLS

At Waipori Falls,
I strapped you to my back
and we stumbled through
wet bushes.

We stopped to see the baby falls.
You marvelled at the speed of the water
and asked if fairies could swim.

I pointed out star-shaped leaves
and told you in the evenings
they were boats, steered by the moon.

Then we struck on
your straps digging down
and finding pools of sweat within.

Daddy struck ahead.
But I, head bowed,
could see only mud.

My vision clouded
by treacherous leaves waiting
to tip us over the edge.

I could even see your body
unformed thoughts spilling on wet rocks
as I felt the chill laugh of grief.

Slowly now- carefully through
Small steps cling to ferns.

I must carry my load
I am St Christopher and we walk through blood.

And as we reached the top
I was blinded when you poked your fingers
in my eyes.

And you laughed at the view.

IN THE GARDEN BY MOONLIGHT

the petal dress shot time
from lust to sleep
scream at my lazy gift
watch from the
peach
shadow
and stop near his bare feet
whispering frantic music.

you will moan like a girl
for they will urge it.
soar away on delirious wind
behind this light vision.

and summer is a drunk parting
a place to smell a death gown
together.

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